Prototype v1 — dev build for design review. School records are reproduced from the Texas TEFA finder and the NCES Private School Survey (October 9, 2026); phone number and partner-fund terms are placeholders.
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Home › What TEFA buys › Career & technical education (CTE)
Electives & college

Career & technical education (CTE)

CTE program fees, materials and courses that lead to a TEA-approved industry-based credential are eligible.

Can a Houston family pay for this from a TEFA account?

TEFA — private school ($10,474)Eligible

Approved CTE programs and industry-based credential courses.

TEFA — with an IEP (up to $30,000)Eligible

Approved CTE programs and industry-based credential courses.

TEFA — homeschool / other ($2,000)Eligible

Approved CTE programs and industry-based credential courses.

Rules that apply

  • Programs that train for a TEA-approved industry-based credential qualify.
  • Certification exam fees are an eligible assessment cost.

What isn't allowed

  • Programs not approved in the marketplace

In Houston

Energy, healthcare and the trades dominate Houston CTE demand — exactly the credentials TEA's list covers.

How to buy it

Log in to the TEFA parent portal (Odyssey). Pay your school or an approved provider through the platform, or buy approved products in the marketplace. If a provider isn't listed, it has to apply and be approved before it can be paid.

Build my child's spending plan →

Sources: educationfreedom.texas.gov (families page, Tuition and Fee Guidelines 5/28/2026, Educator Credential Policy 7/7/2026, Providers and Vendors) and Odyssey's eligible-expenses article for TEFA. This is a summary, not legal advice. Program rules control.

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